Publishing Possibilities for Fiction Books

If you write fiction, do you have options when it comes to publishing? The answer depends on who you ask.

Some authors and others will absolutely stand on their head to make the point that fiction writers are wasting their time if they independently self-publish. They cite the difficulty of sales once published, and the idea that traditional publishers will think less of you, not give you "real" publishing credit if you go it on your own first.

My answer: The world of publishing is changing rapidly, summarily rejecting any option based on what things were like even five years ago makes little sense today.

Earlier this year, I made note of a large traditional publisher that clearly states they'll take a look at a book that has already gained some traction. Recently, an article appeared in Publishers Weekly that highlights several novel and children's authors who were contracted by a traditional house after they independently published. http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6622217.html

Will things work out like this for author? No, there's no such thing as one size fits all in publishing. Could it happen to you and your book? Maybe. But I can guarantee it won't happen if you never try.